If I pre-order purchase via Gamestop will I be granted the early access (on PS3)? How will be be able to play the game if the I can't pick-up the game until 27-Aug.

Sorry for the ignorance.

I entered my email address on the SE site - so will I have to download the game?

Thanks.

I called Gamstop and asked the same question. In person, when I preordered they gave me a receipt with the access code.

Gamestop said that the 'full' version won't be available (like the beta for example). But you can download the client software. Their help section on their website gives info on access codes. It explains it better than me.